Cynthia Northrop

Cynthia Northrop is a Certified Public Manager (Hobby School of Public Affairs/University of Houston), with a Masters Degree in Public Administration (UNT) and BA in Communication Studies (UNT) and is currently the City Manager in Breckenridge, TX.  

Her career track to City Manager wasn’t typical, beginning in the fashion industry she became interested in local government; appointed to the Lewisville P&Z, she later ran for a seat on Lewisville City Council, was elected and served two terms. From there she ran for Denton County Commissioner, Pct. 1 and served two terms. She was very active in regional transportation, serving as Denton County’s representative for seven years on the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), Dallas/Fort Worth’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, including serving as Vice Chair and Chair, and after leaving office ran TXDOT’s Dallas District PIO and Government Affairs Office. 

While pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration she took a role as Senior Vice-President of a Fort Worth Public Relations firm heading up the Public Engagement of the firm, working on various contracts with the City of Fort Worth, City of Dallas and North Texas Tollway Authority. Prior to serving as City Manager in Breckenridge, she served in various roles in the City of Alvin (TX), City of Dayton (TX) and City of Rhome (TX). 

Cynthia is passionate about the local community and local government working together for the betterment of the community. She is the author of “Make a Difference: Navigating the Maze of local government,” believing the more informed and educated citizens are the better they can productively engage with elected officials and city staff to identify challenges and solutions to the issues facing local communities and local government, “The successful community is the community that is unified in its vision and working together to identify and implement solutions.”

Cynthia has been active in her community in many capacities including service on several boards including Salvation Army, United Way, Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Club of North Central Texas. She is also a professional musician and has been in several bands, including serving on the Praise and Worship Team in Church. Cynthia is also an avid promoter of health and fitness issues as a long-time Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor.

Based in: Breckenridge, TX
Organization: City of Breckenridge, TX
Position: City Manager
Speaking topics: careers in public service, campaigning & elections, advocacy & organizing, leadership as a woman in government, supporting women in government, communications and public engagement in the local community
Audience preferences: all
In-person or virtual: both
Speaking format: lead presenter, panelist, workshop facilitator, Q&A/informal discussions, strategic planning
Speaker fee: open

Inquiry this Speaker Back to speakers list

Page last updated 10:45 AM, February 12, 2026